Get Your Qi Together

There is new-found fascination working with energy centers and the limbic system of the body. A great example is acupoint Yintang located at the 3rd eye which is viewed as the link between the physical and spiritual worlds. Its therapeutic stimulation “calms the heart and spirit” yet may cause a deeper divide if a split exists between one’s energetic and physical bodies. As such, a practitioner needs to proceed with great caution.

Various types of vital energy exist. The yang form of Qi is more expansive, while the yin form of Qi is more contracting. Comparing their energies in terms of the analogy of a hot air balloon: yang Qi inflates the balloon providing it with shape from heat and air, while yin Qi is the balloon itself, the basket, and energy derived from the tight stretch of the fibers. Additionally, there is heaven Qi that derives its yang energy from the heavenly bodies such as the stars, constellations, and the sun – while earth Qi gains its power from yin energies from the earth. And human Qi which is derived from how energies flow within an individual’s body system.

Heaven, human, and earth Qi each have an impact on how the other is functioning. Together the heaven and earth represent the macrocosm, while a human being represents the microcosm – where everything that happens in one is reflected in the other. Finally, the job of a human being is to act as an intermediary between heaven and earth. This is precisely what a practitioner of Taiji or Qigong is attempting to do as they move through these healing exercises.

Before and at birth, an individual is endowed with vital energy from their parents along with nutrition acquired while in the womb known as prenatal Qi. To remain healthier, conserve prenatal Qi and avoid unhealthy life practices that squander its reserves in order to maintain wellness and a healthier life. This is the basis for East Asian medicine lifestyle and dietary recommendations designed to protect and preserve an individual’s bank account of prenatal Qi. Then there is postnatal Qi which includes everything received after birth – derived from the food and drink consumed along with the air breathed. This type of Qi is also directly impacted by chosen lifestyle habits and ways of eating and drinking.

Get your Qi together for 2025: Rest and Relax, Refrain from Overeating, Get Outside and Walk Every Day, Take Deep Breaths, Manifest a Healthy Work-Life Balance, Treat Yourself with Loving Kindness, Get to Bed and Rise Early, Have Fun with Friends, and Take Time to Smell the Roses. There is no better time than now to restore and revitalize your Qi!